Job Title:  Graphic Technician I

Graphic Technician Personnel Key Responsibilities:

1. Ink Production & Mixing:
   • Supervise the preparation and mixing of inks in accordance with specific color standards, formulations, and customer specifications.
   • Ensure ink consistency and performance meet production requirements across multiple shifts.
   • Monitor and maintain accurate inventory of raw materials (inks, solvents, additives) to prevent shortages or overstock.
2. Shift Management:
   • Oversee ink room operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely ink availability for production.
   • Provide training, and guidance to ink room operators to ensure competency, safety, and quality.
3. Quality Control & Testing:
   • Implement and monitor quality control processes to ensure that inks meet specifications for color matching, viscosity, and other relevant characteristics.
   • Perform routine testing on mixed inks to ensure performance on press.
   • Troubleshoot and address any quality or performance issues related to inks.
4. Safety & Compliance:
   • Ensure all safety procedures are strictly followed within the ink room, including the safe handling of inks, and chemicals.
   • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines related to ink room operations, including environmental compliance (VOC regulations, waste disposal, etc.).
   • Lead efforts to minimize chemical exposure risks and promote a clean, safe working environment.
5. Inventory & Cost Control:
   • Monitor ink usage and minimize waste to ensure efficient use of materials and control costs.
   • Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely ordering of ink supplies.
   • Track ink room expenses and implement cost-saving initiatives when possible.
6. Collaboration & Communication:
   • Work closely with the production, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure the smooth flow of materials and uninterrupted production schedules.
   • Communicate effectively with management and operators to address operational challenges and optimize performance.
   • Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss production issues, maintenance needs, and upcoming projects.
7. Documentation & Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate records of ink formulations, test results, inventory levels, and shift operations.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   • Participate in and promote continuous improvement initiatives, including exploring new ink formulations, equipment, and process enhancements.
   • Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices to improve efficiency and quality.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. A degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in an ink room or similar role in a solvent-based flexographic printing environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of flexographic printing processes, solvent-based inks, and material safety data sheets (MSDS). Familiarity with color matching and testing procedures is essential.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, manage multiple shifts, and maintain high-performance standards.
• Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for addressing operational and quality issues.